About Lisbon

Visit Lisbon

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a city renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Situated along the banks of Tagus River, it is the second oldest capital in Europe, after Athens. It is the country’s largest city, with approximately 550,000 inhabitants in the central area and over 2.8 million in the metropolitan region.

Estabished atop its iconic seven hills, Lisbon offers breathtaking viewpoints, picturesque neighborhoods, and a unique architectural style featuring traditional azulejos (ceramic tiles). The city combines a rich historical heritage with modern innovation, making it a dynamic hub for culture, business, and tourism.

What to see

Historic and Cultural Landmarks

  • São Jorge Castle – A medieval fortress with stunning views over the city.
  • Praça do Comércio – harbour facing square and one of Lisbon’s main visitors attractions.
  • Jerónimos Monastery – A UNESCO site with breathtaking Manueline architecture.
  • Belém Tower – A symbol of Lisbon’s Age of Exploration, right by the river.

Scenic Spots and Viewpoints (Miradouros)

  • Miradouro de Santa Catarina – Great for sunsets and relaxing.
  • Miradouro da Senhora do Monte – One of the highest viewpoints in the city.
  • LX Factory – A trendy area with street art, shops, and rooftop bars.

Neighbourhoods to Explore

  • Alfama – The oldest district, perfect for wandering through narrow alleys and listening to Fado music.
  • Bairro Alto – The nightlife hub with bars and restaurants.
  • Chiado – A historic shopping and cultural area with theaters and old cafés.

Unique Experiences

  • Riding Tram 28 – A classic Lisbon experience, taking you through the city’s most iconic streets.
  • Eating Pastéis de Nata at Pastéis de Belém – The original spot for Lisbon’s famous custard tarts.
  • Taking a day trip to Sintra – A fairy-tale town with colorful palaces and lush forests.

How to get around

Lisbon is well-connected and easy to explore thanks to its public transport system which inclide the following options:

Trams

  • Tram 28: The most famous tram, perfect for sightseeing (but often crowded).
  • Other trams: Modern ones cover areas like Belém and Alcântara.
  • Tickets: €3 per ride (or cheaper with a transport card).

Funiculars & Elevator

  • Santa Justa Lift – A historic elevator with amazing views (€5.30 round trip).
  • Bica, Glória & Lavra Funiculars – Great for climbing Lisbon’s steep hills.

 Metro (Subway)

  • Best for: Fast travel between major districts and the airport.
  • Ticket price: €1.80 per ride (or cheaper with a pass).

Buses

  • Cover areas not served by trams or metro.
  • Night buses available after metro hours.
  • Tickets: €2 per ride if bought onboard.

Trains (For Day Trips)

  • To Sintra: From Rossio Station (40 min, €2.40 one way).
  • To Cascais: From Cais do Sodré (40 min, €2.40 one way).

Ferries (Across the Tagus River)

  • To Cacilhas, Barreiro, etc. (for great seafood and views of Lisbon).

For more affordable transport, the following passes are available (more information can fe found at https://www.lisbonportugaltourism.com/transportation/):

  • Navegante card (€0.50) – Load with zapping credit or a 24-hour pass (€6.80 for metro, bus, tram & funiculars).
  • Lisboa Card (€22-€27 per day) – Includes transport and free entry to many attractions.

In addition to public transport, Uber, taxi and car rental services are also available.